Paediatric Palliative Photography (PPP), Part 3 of 4: Approaches and Shot Selection

 Part 3: Approaches, Shot Selection, and Editing

Paediatric Palliative Photography presents unique challenges: cramped and limited space, less-than-ideal lighting conditions, an emotionally-charged atmosphere, at least 1 of the main subject is immobile and unresponsive to instructions, presence of children too young to be aware of the solemnity of the occasion, and a narrow window of time to capture the occasion.

The self-expectation is to capture a portfolio of images that is more than the sum of its parts, with some parts that will stand on their own artistic merits.

There are 3 ways to approach this assignment: 1) like a fly-on-the-wall, 2) with active manipulation of the scenery, and 3) a hybrid approach. The chosen approach will depend on the level of grief, cultural beliefs, medical considerations/available space, the wishes of the adults in the room, and the comfort level of the photographer. My preferred method is the hybrid approach, adjusting my active participation based on the moment(s).

Before anything else, the photographer must talk to the health providers as to the name and gender and medical condition of, and procedures-timeline for, the patient. Ask about known family dynamics; negative undercurrents may rise up in times of grief. To the patients' relatives, make it known that in addition to typical poses, you are open to their ideas and suggestions. In my experience, it helps immensely that the bedside health providers are familiar and comfortable with what I do, and they will have assured the patient's family beforehand, of my competence and professionalism. All this is to avoid awkward and embarrassing moments that will get in the way of taking photos. 

Depending on my availability, I let the staff know of the possibility for photos taken immediately after withdrawal-of-life procedures; photos of the patient untethered from medical technology is an option.

It will be up to the photographer to make an image interesting. This is, after all, what the photographer is paid to do. In theory and in practice, there are 7 principles of art and design. Here is one link that illustrates this. 

I will leave it to the individual photographer to come up with a unique shots-to-do list but here is my must-have-shots list: 

1) details such as personalized blankets, socks, etc, toys, gifts, and cards, bulletin board scribblings, bravery beads, hand molds, artworks, 2) patient's shots, whole body, hands, feet, eyes, potential clothing changes, 3) patient with family members in different combinations (with siblings, with parents, 3+ generations shots, 4) "comparison" shots such as large adult hand cradling tiny feet, tiny fingers grasping adult index finger. 5) close-ups of kissing, caressing, nuzzling, 5) a wide shot of the room for context. In all but for 5), aim for shots that minimize the presence of medical equipment.